Vidharth is an actor who is keen to be part of good films, rather than picking commercial roles. His last thriller Kuttrame Dhandanai with director Manikandan, in which he also took on the onus of production, was critically acclaimed. Now, he has once again chosen Kurangu Bommai which has an unconventional theme, directed by newcomer Nithilan of Naalaya Iyakkunar fame. Vidharth and Nithilan speak to DC about KB — for which ace Bharathiraja has been roped in!
“I watched Nithilan’s short Punnagai Vaanginaal Kanner Ilavasam, and was floored. Even Kamal sir has spoken highly about it. I called him and asked if he had any script for a feature — and that’s when he came up with Kurangu Bommai.” It is an emotional drama about a father-son bond, with Bharathiraja sir playing Vidharth’s dad. The Mynaa actor adds, “It was Nithilan who was keen to bring Bharathiraja sir on board. Though my combination scenes with Raja sir are few, I was on the sets while he was shooting with others. I didn’t get the opportunity to act under his direction, so it gives me immense happiness to share the screen with him.”
The highlight of the film is that it has been narrated in a non-linear way, he quips. Director Nithilan adds, “The title is just a metaphor, and when you watch the film, you will know how it is justified.” On choosing Bharathiraja — “I did not want the regular actors who appear in father roles. I am a fan of his directorial ventures, especially Sigappu Rojakkal. And he fit the middle class, simple-looking father Sundaram whose character I conceived. Moreover, he has also watched my short films and knew about me.”
All the characters including Kumaravel and PL Thenappan’s are totally relatable and interesting, the director claims. “There’s a subtle yet cute romance and Delna from Mollywood debuts in Tamil,” Nithilan signs off.
